Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for regulating vacuum applied to surgical suction devices allowing the use of a single vacuum regulator and associated canister to provide vacuum to two suction devices, such as a suction stabilizer and a suction retractor. Vacuum controllers may be placed in the vacuum lines provided to each of two or more suction devices, or may be placed only in the vacuum line of the suction device believed most likely to detach during the procedure. Each vacuum controller is provided with a primary vacuum line, coupling its associated suction device to the output of the vacuum regulator and a pilot passage, also coupling the suction device to the vacuum regulator. The controller closes a valve in the main vacuum line in response to loss of vacuum attachment, which valve remains closed until attachment is reestablished. Closure of the valve results in substantial or complete blockage of the main vacuum line.

Abstract: A novel medical stapler and screw inserter device is disclosed herein wherein the medical instrument is formed in a non-linear or “C” or “V” shaped conformation. The nonlinear shape allows the physician to accomplish a per vaginal anchor or screw insertion into a patient's pubic bone, while locating the triggering hand outside of the vagina of the patient and employing a pulling force on the inserter/stapler, against the pubic bone of the patient. In addition, the weight of a patient's body may be used to counterweight the recoil effect to minimize stapler recoil during ejection of a staple from the stapler into a patient. Novel bone anchor screws and a related bone screw driver and a method of inserting it into the pubic bone through the vagina are also described for per vaginal bladder neck suspension procedures.

Abstract: A detachable balloon system includes an inflatable balloon with a self-sealing valve. The balloon has an elastomeric membrane and a proximal opening. The self-sealing valve is made up of a valve body for receiving an inflation instrument to inflate the balloon. The valve body is preferably formed of a biocompatible elastomeric material and includes a base portion and a sealing portion. The base portion is bonded to the elastomeric membrane so as to seal the proximal opening of the balloon. The sealing portion is located within the balloon and extends distally from the base into the balloon. The sealing portion is compressibly sealable in response to a pressure within the balloon following inflation of the balloon and removal of the inflation instrument. A balloon dispenser for housing a balloon prior to receipt of an inflation instrument is also described.

Abstract: A fabric used with an inflatable penile prosthesis and having a high fabric weave density is disclosed. The fabric is comprised of substantially non-distensible warp yarns and expandable/contractible fill yarns. The warp yarns are made of a 40 denier polyester fiber and the fill yarns are made of a 70 denier spandex fiber wrapped with a 40 denier polyester fiber. The fill yarns and warp yarns have sufficient fabric weave density so as to resist fabric distortion, such as fill separation. The fabric is assembled on the penile prosthesis so that the fill yarns circumscribe the girth of the prosthesis and the warp yarns extend along the length of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism which prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the patient. The pump assembly has an actuating bar with ribs to enhance the spring force applied to a flow valve, a support structure to support and appropriately position the actuating bar, and a check valve made of metal with a segment covered with a plastic material. The preventative mechanism uses overpressure generated by the reservoir during unintentional compression to effectively seal the cylinders from unintended fluid flow. The prevention mechanism itself creates all necessary forces to prevent the undesired fluid flow to the cylinders. This is accomplished by incorporating appropriate mechanisms within the pump itself.

Abstract: A pump and valve assembly for an implantable prosthesis is provided with an internal actuating bar positioned such that when any portion of the housing is compressed, the check valves within are opened allowing for deflation of the cylinders. The pump and valve assembly also includes a textured surface over a portion of the housing to allow for quick identification of the component, as well as to make it easier for the patient to grasp it. The valve assembly further comprising an actuating bar which has ribs to enhance the spring force applied to a flow valve, a support structure to support and appropriately position the actuating bar, and a check valve made of metal with a segment covered with a plastic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for treatment of male incontinence and a method for female cystocele repair in which a sling material is positioned between the descending rami of the pubic bone. In such an operation a “hammock-like” sling material is positioned below the urethra in males, or below the posterior bladder wall in the case of cystocele in females.

Abstract: A novel medical stapler and screw inserter device is disclosed herein wherein the medical instrument is formed in a non-linear or “C” or “V” shaped conformation. The non-linear shape allows the physician to accomplish a per vaginal anchor or screw insertion into a patient's pubic bone, while locating the triggering hand outside of the vagina of the patient and employing a pulling force on the inserter/stapler, against the pubic bone of the patient. In addition, the weight of a patient's body may be used to counterweight the recoil effect to minimize stapler recoil during ejection of a staple from the stapler into a patient. Novel bone anchor screws and a related bone screw driver and a method of inserting it into the pubic bone through the vagina are also described for per vaginal bladder neck suspension procedures.

Abstract: An implantable article is disclosed. The implantable article includes features for tightening or loosening the implantable article. In preferred embodiments, the adjustment may occur post or perioperatively.

Abstract: A pubic bone-mounted urethra stabilization and support system and method therefor for the long term cure of recurrent female urinary incontinence. The system comprises, a pair of anchors affixed to the posterior/inferior pubic bone, sutures attach to the anchors and a mesh sling passing behind and about the urethra and the adjacent endopelvic fascia and having ends attached to the anchors by the anchor-mounted sutures. The method includes the steps of accessing said urethra with the endopelvic fascia therebehind and the pubic bone, properly locating and attaching the anchors to the pubic bone, properly locating the sling about the urethra and adjacent endopubic fascia and suturing and tensioning the ends of the sling to the anchors, causing said sling to restore, support and stabilize functional urethral continence anatomy and prevent urethral descent under intraabdominal pressure.

Abstract: Surgical articles that are conveniently and securely coupled are disclosed. Improved surgical procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel medical stapler and screw inserter device is disclosed herein wherein the medical instrument is formed in a non-linear or “C” or “V” shaped conformation. The non-linear shape allows the physician to accomplish a per vaginal anchor or screw insertion into a patient's pubic bone, while locating the triggering hand outside of the vagina of the patient and employing a pulling force on the inserter/stapler, against the pubic bone of the patient. In addition, the weight of a patient's body may be used to counterweight the recoil effect to minimize stapler recoil during ejection of a staple from the stapler into a patient. Novel bone anchor screws and a related bone screw driver and a method of inserting it into the pubic bone through the vagina are also described for per vaginal bladder neck suspension procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a handle, needle, dilator and sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the sling to be adjusted during and/or after implantation. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced, thereby improving patient quality of life.

Abstract: A medical screwdriver for inserting a medical screw connected to a suture into a bone. The screwdriver includes a shaft adapted to hold a medical screw at its distal end, a motor adapted to rotate the shaft, and a suture-receiving channel leading from the distal end of the shaft to a point distanced from the distal end of the shaft by at least 50% of the length of the shaft.

Abstract: The bone anchor implantation device of the present invention comprises a shaft or body having a grip at a first end of the shaft, an anchor mount at a distal end of the shaft, and a bone anchor removably mounted in the anchor mount. The shaft is preferably bent so that the anchor mount generally faces the grip such that the bone anchor can be implanted at an anchoring site in a bone by pulling rearwardly on the device. The body is adapted to be separable from the anchor after the anchor has been implanted in bone. A suture thread is attached to the bone anchor such that the suture thread is accessible to a surgeon using the device after the bone anchor has been implanted in bone and after the body has been separated from the bone anchor. The shaft is at least partially hollow, and the suture thread is housed in the shaft. The anchor mount comprises a cannula at the distal end of the shaft. The cannula is sized to removably receive an end of the anchor.

Abstract: A procedure for treating urinary stress incontinence by using bone anchors, whether screw or staple type, with or without suture, inserted pervaginally for use with a sling material for supporting the bladder neck and/or proximal urethra.

Abstract: An implantable article and method are disclosed for treating pelvic floor disorders such as vaginal vault prolase. A surgical kit useful for performing a surgical procedure such as a sacral colpopexy is also described.

Abstract: Surgical apparatus and associated methods of use are provided for enhancing the functional life-span of medical implants and for facilitating their implantation, particularly for medical devices designed to support anatomical structures. The apparatus comprises a reinforcing fastener guide for fixedly mounting or interlocking onto the surface of a medical device such as a urethral sling or the like. Formed of surgical grade metals or plastics, the attached reinforcing fastener guide defines an easily identified location for the implanting surgeon to position one or more surgical fasteners, such as a suture, to the patient's body in order to permanently position the medical implant. This greatly simplifies and shortens the implantation protocol while substantially reducing undesirable mechanical stresses within the implant at these attachment points, thereby increasing the useful life of the implanted medical device.

Abstract: A procedure for treating urinary stress incontinence by using bone anchors, whether screw or staple type, with or without suture, inserted pervaginally for use with a sling material for supporting the bladder neck and/or proximal urethra.

Abstract: A procedure for treating urinary stress incontinence by using bone anchors, whether screw or staple type, with or without suture, inserted pervaginally for use with a sling material for supporting the bladder neck and/or proximal urethra.